Flavor inhaler and flavor inhaler manufacturing method

ABSTRACT

Provided is a flavor inhaler comprising a casing, an atomizer that is housed in the casing and that generates heat, a temperature sensor that is located near the atomizer, and a wire that is electrically connected to the temperature sensor, wherein the wire extends from the temperature sensor so as to be away from the atomizer.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation application of International Application No. PCT/JP2021/017038, filed on Apr. 28, 2021.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a flavor inhaler and a method for manufacturing the flavor inhaler.

BACKGROUND ART

In the field of flavor inhalers, temperature sensors have been used to monitor a temperature. PTL 1, for example, describes a flavor inhaler in which a temperature sensor is disposed at a location separated from a heating coil.

In a flavor inhaler including a heating device, it is desirable to accurately measure a temperature of a casing of the device so that a user does not experience discomfort when the device is used. In particular, the temperature of the casing is preferably monitored at a location close to the heating device at which the temperature is significantly influenced by heat from the heating device.

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

PTL 1: Japanese Patent No. 6335251

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

The present disclosure provides a flavor inhaler capable of accurately sensing a temperature of a casing at a location close to a heating device and a method for manufacturing the flavor inhaler.

Solution to Problem

According to a first aspect of present disclosure, a flavor inhaler includes a casing; an atomizer that is accommodated in the casing and that produces heat; a temperature sensor disposed at a location close to the atomizer; and a wire electrically connected to the temperature sensor. The wire extends from the temperature sensor such that the wire extends away from the atomizer.

According to the above-described first aspect, the temperature sensor is provided at the location close to the atomizer that produces heat, and the wire connected to the temperature sensor extends away from the atomizer. Therefore, according to the first aspect, the temperature of the casing can be measured at the location that is close to the atomizer and to which heat produced by the atomizer is easily transmitted, and the influence of heat produced by the atomizer on the wire can be reduced. Accordingly, the temperature can be accurately measured.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, in the flavor inhaler of the first aspect, the location close to the atomizer is a region in which the temperature sensor is influenced by temperature variation of the atomizer.

According to the above-described second aspect, the temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the casing is disposed in the region in which the temperature sensor is influenced by the temperature variation of the atomizer. Therefore, according to the second aspect, a temperature that appropriately reflects the temperature variation of the atomizer can be measured.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, in the flavor inhaler of the first and second aspects, a region through which the wire extends is a region in which a temperature is lower than a temperature sensed by the temperature sensor.

According to the above-described third aspect, the wire connected to the temperature sensor extends toward a region in which the temperature is lower than the temperature sensed by the temperature sensor, which is disposed at the location close to the atomizer. Therefore, according to the third aspect, the influence of heat produced by the atomizer on the wire can be reliably reduced.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, in the flavor inhaler of the first to third aspects, the wire extends from the temperature sensor in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction in which the atomizer extends.

According to the above-described fourth aspect, the wire extends from the temperature sensor in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the atomizer that produces heat extends. Therefore, according to the fourth aspect, the wire can be reliably disposed to extend away from the atomizer, and noise in the temperature measurement can be reduced.

According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the flavor inhaler of the first to fourth aspects further includes an additional member accommodated in the casing, and at least a portion of the wire is sandwiched and held between a first inner wall of the casing and a surface of the additional member facing the first inner wall.

According to the above-described fifth aspect, the additional member is disposed in the casing, and the wire is sandwiched and held between the first inner wall of the casing and the surface of the additional member facing the first inner wall. Thus, according to the fifth aspect, the wire extending from the temperature sensor is held on the surface of the additional member. Therefore, the wire can be more reliably disposed to extend away from the atomizer, and noise in the temperature measurement can be further reduced.

According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, in the flavor inhaler of the fifth aspect, a first wiring supporter including an adhesive layer is provided on the surface of the additional member facing the first inner wall, and at least a portion of the wire is fixed to the first wiring supporter by adhesion.

According to the above-described sixth aspect, the first wiring supporter including the adhesive layer is provided on the surface of the additional member, and the wire is fixed to the first wiring supporter by adhesion. Therefore, according to the sixth aspect, the direction in which a portion of the wire extends can be fixed, and the wire can be reliably disposed to extend away from the atomizer.

According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, in the flavor inhaler of the first to sixth aspects, the temperature sensor is disposed in contact with a first inner wall of the casing.

According to the above-described seventh aspect, the temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the casing is disposed in contact with the first inner wall of the casing. Therefore, according to the seventh aspect, the temperature of the inner surface of the casing can be directly measured, and the temperature sensor can be held at an appropriate position.

According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the flavor inhaler of the seventh aspect further includes a support member that is accommodated in the casing and that supports the atomizer. The temperature sensor is sandwiched and held between the first inner wall of the casing and the support member.

According to the above-described eighth aspect, the support member that supports the atomizer is disposed in the casing, and the temperature sensor is sandwiched and held between the first inner wall of the casing and the support member. Therefore, according to the eighth aspect, the temperature sensor can be held at the location close to the atomizer, and the temperature of the casing can be stably measured at the location close to the atomizer.

According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, in the flavor inhaler of the eighth aspect, the temperature sensor is in contact with the support member with a heat insulating member disposed therebetween.

According to the above-described ninth aspect, the temperature sensor is in contact with the support member with the heat insulating member disposed therebetween. Therefore, according to the ninth aspect, the influence of heat produced by the atomizer on the temperature sensor through the support member can be reduced.

According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, in the flavor inhaler of the ninth aspect, the heat insulating member includes an adhesive layer, and the temperature sensor is fixed to the heat insulating member by adhesion.

According to the above-described tenth aspect, the heat insulating member that is in contact with the temperature sensor includes the adhesive layer. Therefore, according to the tenth aspect, the temperature sensor can be held at the location close to the atomizer, and the temperature of the casing can be stably measured at the location close to the atomizer.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, in the flavor inhaler of the eighth to tenth aspects, the support member is provided with a second wiring supporter that supports the wire that extends.

According to the above-described eleventh aspect, the support member accommodated in the casing is provided with the second wiring supporter that supports the wire extending from the temperature sensor. Therefore, according to the eleventh aspect, the wire can be guided to extend in a predetermined direction so that the wire reliably extends away from the atomizer.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, in the flavor inhaler of the first to eleventh aspects, a third wiring supporter is provided on a first inner wall of the casing, the third wiring supporter supporting the wire such that the wire extends away from the atomizer.

According to the above-described twelfth aspect, the third wiring supporter is provided on the first inner wall of the casing that is in contact with the temperature sensor. The third wiring supporter supports the wire extending from the temperature sensor such that the wire extends away from the atomizer. Therefore, according to the twelfth aspect, the wire can be guided to extend in a predetermined direction so that the wire reliably extends away from the atomizer.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing a flavor inhaler includes: preparing a first casing element and a second casing element that are to be positioned to face each other to form a casing; arranging an atomizer that produces heat, a temperature sensor, and a wire electrically connected to the temperature sensor at predetermined positions with respect to the second casing element; placing the wire such that the wire extends from the temperature sensor so as to extend away from the atomizer; and forming the casing by positioning the first casing element with respect to the second casing element such that the temperature sensor is at a location close to the atomizer. According to the above-described thirteenth aspect, the wire is placed such that the wire extends from the temperature sensor so as to extend away from the atomizer that produces heat, and the casing is formed by positioning the first casing element with respect to the second casing element such that the temperature sensor is at a location close to the atomizer. Therefore, according to the thirteenth aspect, the temperature of the casing can be measured at the location that is close to the atomizer and to which heat produced by the atomizer is easily transmitted, and the influence of heat produced by the atomizer on the wire can be reduced. Thus, a flavor inhaler capable of accurately measuring the temperature can be produced.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, in the method for manufacturing a flavor inhaler of the thirteenth aspect, the location close to the atomizer is a region in which the temperature sensor is influenced by temperature variation of the atomizer.

According to the above-described fourteenth aspect, the temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the casing is disposed in the region in which the temperature sensor is influenced by the temperature variation of the atomizer. Therefore, according to the fourteenth aspect, a flavor inhaler capable of measuring a temperature that appropriately reflects the temperature variation of the atomizer can be provided.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the method for manufacturing a flavor inhaler according to the thirteenth or fourteenth aspect further includes: placing an additional member at a predetermined position with respect to the second casing element; and positioning the first casing element with respect to the second casing element so that the wire is sandwiched and held between an inner wall of the first casing element and the additional member.

According to the above-described fifteenth aspect, the additional member is disposed in the casing, and the wire is sandwiched and held between the first inner wall of the first casing element and the additional member. Thus, according to the fifteenth aspect, the wire extending from the temperature sensor is held on the surface of the additional member. Therefore, a flavor inhaler in which the wire is more reliably disposed to extend away from the atomizer and in which noise in the temperature measurement is further reduced can be provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a schematic front view of a flavor inhaler according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B is a schematic top view of the flavor inhaler.

FIG. 1C is a schematic bottom view of the flavor inhaler.

FIG. 2 is a schematic side sectional view of a consumable.

FIG. 3A is a front view of the flavor inhaler from which an outer housing is removed.

FIG. 3B is a side view of the flavor inhaler from which the outer housing is removed.

FIG. 3C is a perspective view of an inner surface of a front casing element of an inner housing.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the flavor inhaler taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 1B.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a chamber.

FIG. 5B is a sectional view of the chamber taken along line 5B-5B in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6A is a sectional view of the chamber taken along line 6A-6A in FIG. 5B.

FIG. 6B is a sectional view of the chamber taken along line 6B-6B in FIG. 5B.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the chamber and a heater.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view corresponding to FIG. 6B, wherein the consumable is disposed at a desired position in the chamber.

FIG. 9 is a partial sectional view of the flavor inhaler taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 1B.

FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of the flavor inhaler from which a front cover and the front casing element are removed.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a thermistor.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a chassis.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a heat insulating member that holds the thermistor.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the chassis on which the thermistor is disposed.

FIG. 15 is a front view of an inner surface of the front casing element when the thermistor is disposed on the inner surface of the front casing element.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings referred to below, the same or corresponding structural elements are denoted by the same reference signs, and redundant description is omitted.

FIG. 1A is a schematic front view of a flavor inhaler 100 according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1B is a schematic top view of the flavor inhaler 100. FIG. 1C is a schematic bottom view of the flavor inhaler 100. In the drawings referred to in this specification, an X-Y-Z Cartesian coordinate system may be shown to facilitate description. In this coordinate system, the Z-axis extends vertically upward, and an X-Y plane extends to divide the flavor inhaler 100 in a horizontal direction. The Y-axis extends in a direction from a front surface to a back surface of the flavor inhaler 100. The Z-axis may also be regarded as extending in a direction in which a consumable is inserted into a chamber 50 of an atomizer 30 described below. The Y-axis may also be regarded as extending a direction that is orthogonal to the direction of insertion of the consumable and in which a front casing element 10A and a rear casing element 10B described below face each other. The X-axis direction may also be regarded as a longitudinal direction of the device on a plane orthogonal to the direction of insertion of the consumable. The Y-axis direction may also be regarded as a transverse direction of the device on the plane orthogonal to the direction of insertion of the consumable.

The flavor inhaler 100 is configured to generate flavored aerosol when, for example, a stick-shaped consumable including a flavor source including an aerosol source is heated.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1A to 1C, the flavor inhaler 100 includes an outer housing 101 including a front cover 101A and a rear cover 101B, a slide cover 102, and a switch 103. The outer housing 101 constitutes an outermost housing of the flavor inhaler 100, and has a size such that the outer housing 101 can be held by a user's hand. A user can use the flavor inhaler 100 by holding the flavor inhaler 100 in their hand and inhaling aerosol. The front cover 101A of the outer housing 101 may be made of a resin, such as polycarbonate, and the rear cover 101B of the outer housing 101 may be made of a metal, such as aluminum. However, the material of the outer housing 101 is not limited to this. Examples of the material include resins, in particular, polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin, and polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polymer alloys containing multiple types of polymer, and metals, such as aluminum, and any material may be selected as appropriate.

The outer housing 101 has a first through hole (not illustrated) for receiving a consumable. The slide cover 102 is slidably attached to the outer housing 101 such that the slide cover 102 covers the first through hole. More specifically, the slide cover 102 is movable along an outer surface of the outer housing 101 between a closed position (position illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1B) at which the slide cover 102 covers the above-described first through hole in the outer housing and an open position at which the slide cover 102 does not cover the above-described first through hole. For example, the user can manually operate the slide cover 102 to move the slide cover 102 between the closed position and the open position. Thus, the slide cover 102 allows or blocks access of the consumable to the inside of the flavor inhaler 100.

In FIGS. 1B and 1C, the flavor inhaler 100 is illustrated such that rear cover 101B is thicker than the front cover 101A. However, the structure of the outer housing 101 is not limited to this. The front cover 101A and the rear cover 101B may have substantially the same thickness.

The switch 103 is used to turn on and off the operation of the flavor inhaler 100. For example, as described below, when the user operates the switch 103 after the consumable is inserted into the flavor inhaler 100, a power supply 21 supplies electric power to a heater 40 to heat the consumable without burning the consumable. The switch 103 may include a switch provided on the exterior of the outer housing 101 or a switch disposed on the interior of the outer housing 101. When the switch is disposed on the interior of the outer housing 101, the switch is indirectly depressed when the switch 103 on the surface of the outer housing 101 is depressed. In the present disclosure, it is assumed that the switch of the switch 103 is disposed on the interior of the outer housing 101.

The flavor inhaler 100 may additionally include a terminal (not illustrated). The terminal may be an interface that connects the flavor inhaler 100 to, for example, an external power supply. When the power supply included in the flavor inhaler 100 is a rechargeable battery, the power supply can be charged by supplying a current thereto from the external power supply by connecting the external power supply to the terminal. The flavor inhaler 100 may also be capable of transmitting data related to the operation of the flavor inhaler 100 to an external device through a data transmission cable connected to the terminal.

The consumable used in the flavor inhaler 100 will now be described. FIG. 2 is a schematic side sectional view of a consumable 110. In the present disclosure, the flavor inhaler 100 and the consumable 110 may constitute a smoking system. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2 , the consumable 110 includes a smokable substance 111, a cylindrical member 114, a hollow filter 116, and a filter 115. The smokable substance 111 is wrapped with first wrapping paper 112. The cylindrical member 114, the hollow filter 116, and the filter 115 are wrapped with second wrapping paper 113 that differs from the first wrapping paper 112. A portion of the first wrapping paper 112 with which the smokable substance 111 is wrapped is also wrapped with the second wrapping paper 113. Thus, the cylindrical member 114, the hollow filter 116, and the filter 115 are connected to the smokable substance 111. The second wrapping paper 113 may be omitted, and the first wrapping paper 112 may be used to connect the cylindrical member 114, the hollow filter 116, and the filter 115 to the smokable substance 111. A lip release agent 117 is applied to an outer surface of an end portion of the second wrapping paper 113 adjacent to the filter 115 to reduce sticking of the second wrapping paper 113 to the user's lips. A portion of the consumable 110 to which the lip release agent 117 is applied functions as an inhalation port of the consumable 110.

The smokable substance 111 may include, for example, a flavor source, such as tobacco, and an aerosol source. The first wrapping paper 112 with which the smokable substance 111 is wrapped may be an air-permeable sheet member. The cylindrical member 114 may be a paper tube or a hollow filter. Although the consumable 110 includes the smokable substance 111, the cylindrical member 114, the hollow filter 116, and the filter 115 in the example illustrated in FIG. 2 , the structure of the consumable 110 is not limited to this. For example, the hollow filter 116 may be omitted, and the cylindrical member 114 and the filter 115 may be arranged adjacent to each other.

FIG. 3A is a front view of the flavor inhaler 100 from which the outer housing 101 is removed. FIG. 3B is a side view of the flavor inhaler 100 from which the outer housing 101 is removed. FIG. 3C is a front view of an inner surface of the front casing element 10A that defines a front surface of the inner housing 10.

As illustrated in FIG. 3A, when the outer housing 101 is removed, the inner housing 10 is exposed. The inner housing 10 accommodates an atomizer 30 and a power supply unit 20 described below, and examples of the material thereof include resins, in particular, polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) resin, and polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polymer alloys containing multiple types of polymer, and metals, such as aluminum. To ensure sufficient heat resistance and strength, the inner housing 10 is preferably made of PEEK. However, the material of the inner housing 10 is not limited to this. The inner housing 10 is an example of a casing according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 3B is a side view of the flavor inhaler 100 illustrated in FIG. 3A from which the outer housing 101 is removed, as viewed from the positive X-axis direction. As illustrated in FIG. 3B, the inner housing 10 includes the front casing element 10A disposed on the front side (side in the negative Y-axis direction) of the flavor inhaler 100 and the rear casing element 10B disposed on the inner side (side in the positive Y-axis direction) of the flavor inhaler 100. The front casing element 10A of the inner housing 10 is an example of a first casing element according to the present disclosure, and the rear casing element 10B of the inner housing 10 is an example of a second casing element according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 3C is a front view of the inner surface of the front casing element 10A, and illustrates only the front casing element 10A. In FIGS. 3B and 3C, the inner housing 10 is structured such that the front casing element 10A is thinner than the rear casing element 10B. However, the inner housing 10 is not limited to this. The front casing element 10A and the rear casing element 10B may have substantially the same thickness.

Next, the internal structure of the flavor inhaler 100 will be described. FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the flavor inhaler 100 taken along line 4-4 FIG. 1B.

As illustrated in FIG. 4 , the power supply unit 20 and the atomizer 30 are disposed in an internal space of the inner housing 10 of the flavor inhaler 100. A circuit unit (not illustrated) is also disposed in the internal space of the inner housing 10.

The circuit unit includes, for example, a microprocessor, and is capable of controlling supply of electric power from the power supply unit 20 to the atomizer 30. Thus, the circuit unit is capable of controlling heating of the consumable 110 by the atomizer 30.

The power supply unit 20 includes the power supply 21 electrically connected to the circuit unit (not illustrated). The power supply 21 may be, for example, a rechargeable or non-rechargeable battery. The power supply 21 is electrically connected to the atomizer 30 by the circuit unit. Thus, the power supply 21 is capable of supplying electric power to the atomizer 30 to appropriately heat the consumable 110. The power supply unit 20 is an example of an additional member according to the present disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 4 , the atomizer 30 includes the chamber 50 extending in a longitudinal direction of the consumable 110, the heater 40 surrounding a portion of the chamber 50, a heat insulator 32, and an insertion guide member 34 having a substantially cylindrical shape. The chamber 50 is configured to accommodate the consumable 110. The heater 40 is in contact with an outer peripheral surface of the chamber 50, and is configured to heat the consumable 110 accommodated in the chamber 50. The chamber 50 and the heater 40 will be described in detail below.

The heat insulator 32 is disposed to surround the chamber 50 and the heater 40. The heat insulator 32 may include, for example, an aerogel sheet. The insertion guide member 34 may be formed of a resin material, such as PEEK, PC, or ABS, and is disposed between the slide cover 102 at the closed position and the chamber 50. When the slide cover 102 is at the open position, the insertion guide member 34 communicates with the outside of the flavor inhaler 100. When the consumable 110 is inserted into the insertion guide member 34, the insertion guide member 34 guides insertion of the consumable 110 into the chamber 50.

The flavor inhaler 100 also includes a first support 35 and a second support 38 that support the ends of each of the chamber 50 and the heat insulator 32. The first support 35 is disposed to support end portions of the chamber 50 and the heat insulator 32 adjacent to the slide cover 102 (in the positive Z-axis direction). The first support 35 is provided with an O-ring 37 that supports the insertion guide member 34. The second support 38 is disposed to directly or indirectly support end portions of the chamber 50 and the heat insulator 32 in the negative Z-axis direction. In addition, as illustrated in FIG. 4 , the chamber 50 may be provided with a bottom member 36 at the bottom thereof. The bottom member 36 may function as a stopper that positions the consumable 110 inserted in the chamber 50. The bottom member 36 may define a space to which air can be supplied on a surface in contact with the consumable 110. The bottom member 36 may have an uneven surface that comes into contact with the consumable 110, and may be made of, for example, a resin material, such as PEEK, a metal, glass, or ceramic. However, the bottom member 36 is not limited to this. The first support 35 and the second support 38 may be made of, for example, an elastomer, such as silicone rubber. An adhesive composed of, for example, a resin material, such as epoxy resin, or an inorganic material may be used to join the bottom member 36 to the bottom of the chamber 50.

The chamber 50 and the heater 40 will now be described in detail. FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the chamber 50. FIG. 5B is a sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along line 5B-5B in FIG. 5A. FIG. 6A is a sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along line 6A-6A in FIG. 5B. FIG. 6B is a sectional view of the chamber 50 taken along line 6B-6B in FIG. 5B. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the chamber 50 and the heater 40. FIG. 8 is a sectional view corresponding to FIG. 6B, wherein the consumable 110 is disposed at a desired position in the chamber 50.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the chamber 50 may be a cylindrical member having an opening 52 into which the consumable 110 is inserted and including a cylindrical side wall 60 that accommodates the consumable 110. The chamber 50 also includes a flange portion 52A surrounding the opening 52. The chamber 50 is preferably made of a material that is heat resistant and has a low coefficient of thermal expansion. The material may be, for example, a metal, such as stainless steel, a resin, such as PEEK, glass, or ceramic. Thus, the consumable 110 can be effectively heated through the chamber 50.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5B and 6B, the side wall 60 includes contact portions 62 and separated portions 66. When the consumable 110 is disposed at the desired position in the chamber 50, the contact portions 62 are in contact with or pressed against portions of the consumable 110, and the separated portions 66 are separated from the consumable 110. In this specification, the “desired position in the chamber 50” means a position at which the consumable 110 is appropriately heated or a position at which the consumable 110 is placed when the user smokes. Each contact portion 62 includes an inner surface 62 a and an outer surface 62 b. Each separated portion 66 includes an inner surface 66 a and an outer surface 66 b. As illustrated in FIG. 7 , the heater 40 is disposed on the outer surfaces 62 b of the contact portions 62. The heater 40 is preferably disposed such that no gaps are provided between the heater 40 and the outer surfaces 62 b of the contact portions 62. The heater 40 may include an adhesive layer. In such a case, the heater 40 including the adhesive layer is preferably disposed such that no gaps are provided between the heater 40 and the outer surfaces 62 b of the contact portions 62.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 6B, the outer surfaces 62 b of the contact portions 62 are flat. Since the outer surfaces 62 b of the contact portions 62 are flat, when a band-shaped electrode 48 is connected to the heater 40 disposed on the outer surfaces 62 b of the contact portions 62 as illustrated in FIG. 7 , the band-shaped electrode 48 is not easily bent. As illustrated in FIGS. 5B and 6B, the inner surfaces 62 a of the contact portions 62 are also flat. As illustrated in FIG. 5B and FIG. 6B, the contact portions 62 have a uniform thickness.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 6B, the chamber 50 includes two contact portions 62 arranged in a circumferential direction of the chamber 50, and the two contact portions 62 face each other and are parallel to each other. Preferably, the distance between the inner surfaces 62 a of the two contact portions 62 in at least a local region is less than the width of a portion of the consumable 110 inserted in the chamber 50 and disposed between the contact portions 62.

As illustrated in FIG. 6B, the inner surfaces 66 a of the separated portions 66 may have an overall arc shape in cross section along a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction (Z-axis direction) of the chamber 50. The separated portions 66 are disposed adjacent to the contact portions 62 in the circumferential direction.

As illustrated in FIG. 5B, the chamber 50 may include a bottom portion 56 having a hole 56 a so that the bottom member 36 illustrated in FIG. 4 may be disposed in the chamber 50 such that the bottom member 36 extends through the hole 56 a. The bottom member 36 provided on the bottom portion 56 supports a portion of the consumable 110 inserted in the chamber 50 such that an end surface of the consumable 110 is at least partially exposed. The bottom portion 56 may support a portion of the consumable 110 such that the exposed end surface of the consumable 110 communicates with second gaps 67B (see FIG. 8 ) described below.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the chamber 50 preferably includes a cylindrical non-holding portion 54 in a region between the opening 52 and the side wall 60. When the consumable 110 is disposed at the desired position in the chamber 50, a gap may be formed between the non-holding portion 54 and the consumable 110. As illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the chamber 50 preferably includes first guide portions 58 having tapered surfaces 58 a connecting the inner surface of the non-holding portion 54 to the inner surfaces 62 a of the contact portions 62.

As illustrated in FIG. 7 , the heater 40 includes a heating element 42. The heating element 42 may be, for example, a heating track. The heating element 42 is preferably disposed such that the heating element 42 is not in contact with the separated portions 66 of the chamber 50 and heats the contact portions 62 of the chamber 50. In other words, the heating element 42 is preferably disposed only on the outer surfaces of the contact portions 62. The heating element 42 may be such that the heating performance thereof in regions in which the separated portions 66 of the chamber 50 are heated may differ from that in regions in which the contact portions 62 are heated. More specifically, the heating element 42 may be configured to heat the contact portions 62 to a temperature higher than that of the separated portions 66. This may be realized, for example, by adjusting the densities of the heating track of the heating element 42 at the contact portions 62 and the separated portions 66. The heating element 42 may be wound around the outer periphery of the chamber 50 such that the heating performance thereof is substantially constant over the entire circumference of the chamber 50. As illustrated in FIG. 7 , the heater 40 preferably includes, in addition to the heating element 42, an electrically insulating member 44 that covers at least one surface of the heating element 42. The electrically insulating member 44 is disposed covers both surfaces of the heating element 42.

As illustrated in FIG. 8 , when the consumable 110 is disposed at the desired position in the chamber 50, the consumable 110 may be in contact with and pressed against the contact portions 62 of the chamber 50. The second gaps 67B are formed between the consumable 110 and the separated portions 66. The second gaps 67B may communicate with the opening 52 in the chamber 50 and the end surface of the consumable 110 positioned in the chamber 50. Thus, air that flows into the chamber 50 through the opening 52 can pass through the second gaps 67B and flow into the consumable 110. In other words, airflow paths (second gaps 67B) are formed between the consumable 110 and the separated portions 66.

The position and manner in which the atomizer 30 is disposed in the inner housing 10 will now be described. FIG. 9 is a partial sectional view of the flavor inhaler 100 taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 1B when the consumable 110 is inserted in the insertion guide member 34 and the chamber 50.

The insertion guide member 34 has a second through hole 34A and a first engagement claw 34B formed on an outer periphery of the insertion guide member 34. The insertion guide member 34 is inserted into the outer housing 101 from the outside through the first through hole formed in the outer housing 101 to receive the consumable. The first engagement claw 34B engages with an engagement portion (not illustrated) of the inner housing 10 so that the insertion guide member 34 is not removable from the flavor inhaler 100 and that a portion around the second through hole 34A is exposed to the outside of the flavor inhaler. The second through hole 34A in the insertion guide member 34 has a size such that a first gap 67A is formed between the insertion guide member 34 and the outer periphery of the consumable 110 when the consumable 110 is inserted into the second through hole 34A.

The first support 35 has a third through hole 35A, a first rib 35B having an annular shape, and a circumferential portion 35C. The third through hole 35A in the first support 35 has a size such that the flange portion 52A (see FIGS. 5A and 5B) provided at an end of the chamber 50 cannot pass therethrough. Therefore, when the chamber 50 is inserted into the third through hole from the bottom of the chamber 50, the flange portion 52A is held by the first support 35. An end of the insertion guide member 34 is brought into contact with the flange portion 52A of the chamber 50, so that the chamber 50 is positioned with respect to the insertion guide member 34. The first rib is press-fitted to a recess in the O-ring 37, and thereby holds the O-ring 37. The circumferential portion of the first support 35 holds the inner periphery of the heat insulator 32 having a cylindrical shape.

As described above, the chamber 50 includes the bottom portion 56 having the hole 56 a (see FIG. 5B) so that the bottom member 36 illustrated in FIG. 4 can be disposed in the chamber 50 such that the bottom member 36 extends through the hole 56 a. The bottom member 36 provided on the bottom portion 56 supports a portion of the consumable 110 inserted in the chamber 50 such that the end surface of the consumable 110 is at least partially exposed. The bottom portion 56 of the chamber 50 supports a portion of the consumable 110 such that a third gap 67C is formed between the exposed end surface of the consumable 110 and the bottom member 36 and that the third gap 67C communicates with the second gaps 67B (see FIG. 8 ) described below. For convenience of description, the shape of the uneven surface of the bottom member 36 illustrated in FIG. 9 differs from that in FIG. 4 .

A spacer 39A is ring-shaped and has a hole at the central thereof. The bottom member 36 is inserted into the hole, and the second support 38 is fitted to the bottom member 36 that protrudes from the center hole, so that the spacer 39A is immovably disposed between the bottom member 36 and the second support 38. The outer surface of the spacer 39A faces the inner surface of the heat insulator 32 and positions the heat insulator 32.

The second support 38 includes a projection 39B (not illustrated) fitted to a hole formed in the inner housing 10, and is positioned with respect to the inner housing 10 when the projection 39B is fitted to this hole. A portion around the projection 39B is in contact with the inner housing 10 in a compressed state. In other words, the second support 38 is compressed and exerts a reaction force that urges the insertion guide member 34 through the spacer 39A and the bottom member 36. Therefore, an end portion of the insertion guide member 34 in the positive Z-axis direction and the flange portion 52A of the chamber 50 are in close contact with each other. Due to the above-described configuration, the first gap 67A, the second gaps 67B, and the third gap 67C form a connected space.

As described above, the airflow paths (second gaps 67B) are formed between the consumable 110 and the separated portions 66. Therefore, air that passes through the airflow paths absorb heat in the separated portions 66, and the separated portions 66 can be cooled.

As described above, the heating element 42 of the heater 40 is disposed such that the heating element 42 is not in contact with the separated portions 66 of the side wall 60 of the chamber 50 and heats the contact portions 62. In other words, the separated portions 66 are not directly heated by the heater 40, and therefore heating of the separated portions 66 by the heater 40 can be reduced.

As illustrated in FIG. 9 , the outer housing 101 accommodates the inner housing 10. The inner surface (surface facing in the positive Y-axis direction) of the front cover 101A of the outer housing 101 faces the outer surface (surface facing in the negative Y-axis direction) of the front casing element 10A of the inner housing 10. Since the front casing element 10A of the inner housing 10 is covered by the front cover 101A of the outer housing 101, heat transmitted from the atomizer 30 to the front casing element 10A of the inner housing 10 is not easily transmitted to the outside of the flavor inhaler 100. As a result, the user can hold the flavor inhaler 100 without experiencing discomfort.

Sensing of the temperature of the inner surface (surface facing in the positive Y-axis direction) of the front casing element 10A of the inner housing 10 will now be described in detail. When the atomizer 30 is operated in the flavor inhaler 100, the atomizer 30 produces heat due to the operation of the heater 40, and the produced heat is transmitted to locations close to the atomizer 30 in the inner housing 10. In the flavor inhaler 100 according to the present disclosure, a thermistor 72 is disposed in contact with the inner surface of the front casing element 10A at a location close to the atomizer 30 to monitor heat transmitted from the atomizer 30 to the front casing element 10A. The inner surface of the front casing element 10A is an example of a first inner wall of a casing and an inner wall of a first casing element according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of the flavor inhaler 100 from which the front cover 101A and the front casing element 10A are removed. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the thermistor 72. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a chassis 80. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a heat insulating member 90 that holds the thermistor 72. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the chassis 80 on which the thermistor 72 is disposed. FIG. 15 is a front view of the inner surface of the front casing element 10A when the thermistor 72 is disposed on the inner surface of the front casing element 10A.

As illustrated in FIG. 10 , when the front cover 101A and the front casing element 10A are removed from the flavor inhaler 100, the internal structure of the flavor inhaler 100 described in detail above is exposed. More specifically, the atomizer 30, the power supply unit 20, and the chassis 80 accommodated in the rear cover 101B and the rear casing element 10B are exposed. The chassis 80 is a member by which the atomizer 30 and the power supply unit 20 are partitioned from each other and held in the flavor inhaler 100. The thermistor 72 is attached to the chassis 80 with the heat insulating member 90 disposed therebetween. As described above with reference to FIG. 4 , the chamber 50 and the heater 40 of the atomizer 30 are surrounded by the heat insulator 32. The chassis 80 is an example of a support member according to the present disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 11 , the thermistor 72 includes a detector 72A and a wire 72B that connects the detector 72A to the above-described circuit unit (not illustrated). The detector 72A is a temperature sensor. The wire 72B of the thermistor 72 includes two conductive wires covered with an insulative coating. The detector 72A of the thermistor 72 includes an element having an electrical resistance that varies when the temperature varies and glass that covers the element. The thermistor 72 is formed by connecting one end of each of the two conductive wires of the wire 72B to the detector 72A. The other end (not illustrated) of each of the two conductive wires of the wire 72B is connected to the circuit unit (not illustrated). The power supply 21 of the power supply unit 20 supplies a small constant current to the thermistor 72 through the circuit unit. When the temperature of a portion in contact with the element of the detector 72A of the thermistor 72 changes, the electrical resistance of the element changes, and a voltage across the thermistor 72 changes accordingly. Since the current supplied to the thermistor 72 is constant, the electrical resistance of the element can be determined from the measured voltage by the Ohm's law. The relationship between the temperature and the electrical resistance of the element of the detector 72A of the thermistor 72 is known. Therefore, the temperature of the element of the detector 72A can be determined by measuring the voltage across the thermistor 72. The detector 72A of the thermistor 72 is an example of a temperature sensor of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 10 , the detector 72A of the thermistor 72 is attached to a front surface of the chassis 80 with the heat insulating member 90 disposed therebetween at a location close to the atomizer 30. The wire 72B of the thermistor 72 extends from the detector 72A in a direction substantially parallel to the positive X-axis direction. Since the atomizer 30 extends in the Z-axis direction, the wire 72B of the thermistor 72 extends from the detector 72A such that the wire 72B extends away from the atomizer 30, that is, such that the distance from the atomizer 30 increases, in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the atomizer 30 extends. The region through which the wire 72B extends is separated from the atomizer 30, and therefore the temperature in this region is lower than the temperature detected by the detector 72A of the thermistor 72 at the location close to the atomizer 30. The wire 72B extending from the detector 72A is bent at a bent portion 72C, and extends vertically downward. The detector 72A is not in direct contact with the chassis 80, and the heat insulating member 90 is disposed therebetween. Therefore, the detector 72A is not influenced by heat produced by the atomizer 30 through the chassis 80. In the present disclosure, the location “close to” the atomizer 30 refers to a region that is near the atomizer 30 and in which the detector 72A of the thermistor 72 is influenced by the temperature variation of the atomizer 30. For example, in the present embodiment, the location close to the atomizer 30 is preferably a region in which no air layer of 2 mm or more is formed so that convection between the atomizer 30 and the detector 72A is suppressed. Alternatively, when a resin member or the like is disposed between the atomizer 30 and the detector 72A, the location close to the atomizer 30 is preferably a region in which the distance between the atomizer 30 and the detector 72A is 10 mm or less to allow sensing of the temperature variation. However, the arrangement is not limited to those described above, and the detector 72A may be disposed at any appropriate location in accordance with the design as long as the detector 72A is in a region close to the atomizer 30 in which the detector 72A can measure the temperature of the casing in response to the temperature variation of the atomizer 30.

The two conductive wires included in the wire 72B of the thermistor 72 are made of a material having a high rigidity at least in a region close to the detector 72A. Therefore, the wire 72B formed in a predetermined shape is capable of maintaining the initial shape despite an external force, such as the earth's gravity, applied thereto. More specifically, the wire 72B shaped as illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11 is not deformed into a straight shape by being pulled vertically downward (in the negative Z-axis direction), and the initial shape thereof is maintained.

As illustrated in FIG. 10 , a wiring supporter 24 is provided on a front surface (surface facing in the negative Y-axis direction) of the power supply unit 20. An adhesive layer is provided on the wiring supporter 24. The wire 72B extends directly along the front surface of the power supply unit 20 in a region between the bent portion 72C and a guide portion 84 of the chassis 80 described below. A predetermined portion of the wire 72B is fixed to the wiring supporter 24 by adhesion. Since the wire 72B includes a portion that extends along and fixed to the wiring supporter 24, the wire 72B is reliably separated from the atomizer 30. The wiring supporter 24 is an example of a first wiring supporter according to the present disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 12 , the chassis 80 includes a first holder 80A that holds the atomizer 30 and a second holder 80B that holds a member disposed below (in the negative Z-axis direction from) the atomizer 30. The chassis 80 also includes a third holder 80C that holds the power supply unit 20 in a region behind the first holder 80A and the second holder 80B. An attachment portion 82 to which the heat insulating member 90 is attached is provided on the front surface of the chassis 80. The chassis 80 also includes the guide portion 84 that guides the wire 72B of the thermistor 72. The guide portion 84 is an example of a second wiring supporter according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 illustrates the heat insulating member 90 disposed between the attachment portion 82 of the chassis 80 and the detector 72A of the thermistor 72. The heat insulating member 90 is substantially rectangular-parallelepiped-shaped, and has a first surface 90A in contact with the detector 72A of the thermistor 72 and a second surface 90B facing the first surface 90A and attached to the attachment portion 82 of the chassis 80. Each of the first surface 90A and the second surface 90B of the heat insulating member 90 is provided with an adhesive layer. The detector 72A of the thermistor 72 can be easily disposed at a desired location in the inner housing 10 by bonding the second surface 90B of the heat insulating member 90 to the attachment portion 82 of the chassis 80 and bonding the detector 72A of the thermistor 72 to the first surface 90A of the heat insulating member 90. The material of the heat insulating member 90 is not particularly limited, but is preferably an elastic material. When the heat insulating member 90 that is elastic is disposed between the attachment portion 82 of the chassis 80 and the detector 72A of the thermistor 72, the detector 72A can be held stably without damage.

FIG. 14 illustrates the structure of the main part of the chassis 80 to which the thermistor 72 is attached. The wire 72B of the thermistor 72 extends from the detector 72A of the thermistor 72 attached to the attachment portion 82 of the chassis 80 with the heat insulating member 90 disposed therebetween. The wire 72B extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the first holder 80A of the chassis 80 extends, the first holder 80A having the atomizer 30 attached thereto. The wire 72B extending from the detector 72A is bent downward at the bent portion 72C, and passes through the guide portion 84 of the chassis 80. The guide portion 84 functions to support the wire 72B that extends therethrough.

The flavor inhaler 100 according to the present disclosure is formed by sealing the structure illustrated in FIG. 10 with the front casing element 10A and attaching the front cover 101A. Thus, the detector 72A of the thermistor 72 illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 14 comes into contact with a predetermines section of the inner surface of the front casing element 10A. The detector 72A is sandwiched and held between the attachment portion 82 of the chassis 80 to which the heat insulating member 90 is bonded and the inner surface of the front casing element 10A. According to this structure, the detector 72A of the thermistor 72 is held stably on the predetermined section of the inner surface of the front casing element 10A. The wire 72B of the thermistor 72 is sandwiched and held between the surface of the power supply unit 20 including the wiring supporter 24 and a predetermined section of the inner surface of the front casing element 10A. According to this structure, the wire 72B of the thermistor 72 is held stably at a position separated from the atomizer 30.

FIG. 15 illustrates the flavor inhaler 100 having the above-described structure from which members other than the thermistor 72 on the inner surface of the front casing element 10A and the heat insulating member 90 are omitted. In FIG. 15 , the detector 72A of the thermistor 72 is hidden behind the heat insulating member 90. In FIG. 15 , the second surface 90B of the heat insulating member 90 is shown. As illustrated in FIG. 15 , the inner surface of the front casing element 10A may have projections 12 and 14. The projections 12 and 14 function to guide the wire 72B of the thermistor 72 and assist holding the wire 72B in a desired shape. In particular, the projection 14 is in contact with an inner surface of the bent portion 72C of the wire 72B. More specifically, the projections 12 and 14 support the wire 72B so that the wire 72B extends away from the atomizer 30. The projections 12 and 14 are examples of a third wiring supporter according to the present disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 10 , the detector 72A of the thermistor 72 is at a location close to the atomizer 30, and is in contact with the inner surface of the front casing element 10A. Therefore, the temperature of the inner housing 10 can be measured at a location to which a large amount of heat produced by the atomizer 30 is transmitted. As illustrated in FIG. 10 , the wire 72B of the thermistor 72 is disposed to extend away from the atomizer 30 in the inner housing 10. More specifically, the wire 72B extends from the detector 72A in the positive X-axis direction, is bent at the bent portion 72C, and extends in the negative Z-axis direction along the front surface of the power supply unit 20 separated from the atomizer 30 by the chassis 80. When the wire 72B is in contact with or in the vicinity of the atomizer 30, the wire 72B may be influenced by the heat produced by the atomizer 30, and the accuracy of temperature measurement performed by the detector 72A may be reduced. In the flavor inhaler 100 according to the present disclosure, the wire 72B is disposed to extend away from the atomizer 30. Therefore, the wire 72B receives less noise, and the detector 72A can accurately measure the temperature.

Although an embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims, specification, and drawings. Note that any shape or material not described directly in the specification and drawings is still within the scope of the technical idea of the present disclosure insofar as the effects of the present disclosure are exhibited. For example, the flavor inhaler 100 according to the present disclosure includes an airflow path of a so-called counterflow type in which air that flows into the chamber 50 through the opening 52 is supplied to the end surface of the consumable 110. However, the flavor inhaler 100 is not limited to this, and may include an airflow path of a so-called bottom flow type in which air is introduced into the chamber 50 from the bottom portion 56 of the chamber 50. In addition, the heating element 42 is not limited to a resistance heating element, and may be an induction heating element. In such a case, the heating element 42 may heat the chamber 50 by induction heating. When the consumable 110 includes a susceptor, the heating element 42 may heat the susceptor of the consumable 110 by induction heating.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   -   10 inner housing     -   10A front casing element     -   10B rear casing element     -   10 a first wall     -   10 b second wall     -   10 c side wall     -   12 projection     -   14 projection     -   20 power supply unit     -   21 power supply     -   24 wiring supporter     -   30 atomizer     -   32 heat insulator     -   34 insertion guide member     -   34A second through hole     -   34B first engagement claw     -   35 first support     -   35A third through hole     -   35B first rib     -   35C circumferential portion     -   36 bottom member     -   37 O-ring     -   37A main portion     -   37B extending portion     -   38 second support     -   39A spacer     -   39B projection     -   40 heater     -   42 heating element     -   44 electrically insulating member     -   48 electrode     -   50 chamber     -   52 opening     -   52A flange portion     -   54 non-holding portion     -   56 bottom portion     -   56 a hole     -   58 first guide portion     -   58 a tapered surface     -   60 side wall     -   62 contact portion     -   62 a inner surface     -   62 b outer surface     -   66 separated portion     -   66 a inner surface     -   66 b outer surface     -   67A first gap     -   67B second gap     -   67C third gap     -   72 thermistor     -   72A detector     -   72B wire     -   72C bent portion     -   80 chassis     -   80A first holder     -   80B second holder     -   80C third holder     -   82 attachment portion     -   84 guide portion     -   90 heat insulating member     -   90A first surface     -   90B second surface     -   100 flavor inhaler     -   101 outer housing     -   101A front cover     -   101B rear cover     -   102 slide cover     -   103 switch     -   110 consumable     -   111 smokable substance     -   112 first wrapping paper     -   113 second wrapping paper     -   114 cylindrical member     -   115 filter     -   116 hollow filter     -   117 lip release agent 

1. A flavor inhaler comprising: a casing; an atomizer that is accommodated in the casing and that produces heat; a temperature sensor disposed at a location close to the atomizer; and a wire electrically connected to the temperature sensor, wherein the wire extends from the temperature sensor such that the wire extends away from the atomizer.
 2. The flavor inhaler according to claim 1, wherein the location close to the atomizer is a region in which the temperature sensor is influenced by temperature variation of the atomizer.
 3. The flavor inhaler according to claim 1, wherein a region through which the wire extends is a region in which a temperature is lower than a temperature sensed by the temperature sensor.
 4. The flavor inhaler according to claim 1, wherein the wire extends from the temperature sensor in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction in which the atomizer extends.
 5. The flavor inhaler according to claim 1, further comprising: an additional member accommodated in the casing, wherein at least a portion of the wire is sandwiched and held between a first inner wall of the casing and a surface of the additional member facing the first inner wall.
 6. The flavor inhaler according to claim 5, wherein a first wiring supporter including an adhesive layer is provided on the surface of the additional member facing the first inner wall, and wherein at least a portion of the wire is fixed to the first wiring supporter by adhesion.
 7. The flavor inhaler according to claim 1, wherein the temperature sensor is disposed in contact with a first inner wall of the casing.
 8. The flavor inhaler according to claim 7, further comprising: a support member that is accommodated in the casing and that supports the atomizer, wherein the temperature sensor is sandwiched and held between the first inner wall of the casing and the support member.
 9. The flavor inhaler according to claim 8, wherein the temperature sensor is in contact with the support member with a heat insulating member disposed therebetween.
 10. The flavor inhaler according to claim 9, wherein the heat insulating member includes an adhesive layer, and wherein the temperature sensor is fixed to the heat insulating member by adhesion.
 11. The flavor inhaler according to claim 8, wherein the support member is provided with a second wiring supporter that supports the wire that extends.
 12. The flavor inhaler according to claim 1, wherein a third wiring supporter is provided on a first inner wall of the casing, the third wiring supporter supporting the wire such that the wire extends away from the atomizer.
 13. A method for manufacturing a flavor inhaler, the method comprising: preparing a first casing element and a second casing element that are to be positioned to face each other to form a casing; arranging an atomizer that produces heat, a temperature sensor, and a wire electrically connected to the temperature sensor at predetermined positions with respect to the second casing element; placing the wire such that the wire extends from the temperature sensor so as to extend away from the atomizer; and forming the casing by positioning the first casing element with respect to the second casing element such that the temperature sensor is at a location close to the atomizer.
 14. The method for manufacturing a flavor inhaler according to claim 13, wherein the location close to the atomizer is a region in which the temperature sensor is influenced by temperature variation of the atomizer.
 15. The method for manufacturing a flavor inhaler according to claim 13, further comprising: placing an additional member at a predetermined position with respect to the second casing element; and positioning the first casing element with respect to the second casing element so that the wire is sandwiched and held between an inner wall of the first casing element and the additional member. 